Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and simple dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With its rich flavors and creamy sauce, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of lemon and Parmesan cheese adds a bright taste that elevates the tender chicken, making it a favorite in many households.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is not only easy but also rewarding. This dish is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The creamy sauce is full of flavor, thanks to the blend of garlic and lemon. Plus, it pairs well with pasta or rice, making it a versatile option for any meal. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!
How to Make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Juice from one lemon (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the 4 chicken breasts and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are brown and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of chicken broth, the juice from one lemon, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Whisk this mixture into the sauce and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes over medium-high heat until it thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to soak up the flavorful sauce. Serve over pasta if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken is best served hot. You can place it over a bed of pasta or rice to create a hearty meal. For a fresh touch, consider adding a sprinkle of parsley on top. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad also pairs nicely to complement the dish.
How to Store Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken
You can store leftover Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens while stored, you can add a little chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
Tips to Make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken, as it will become tough.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by altering the cornstarch amount.
- For added flavor, try garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also swap out the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking.
2. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may be less creamy.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the chicken just before serving. This helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 piece lemon (juice from) Approximately 1/4 cup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For flavor
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch To thicken the sauce
- 2 tablespoons water To create slurry with cornstarch
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the 4 chicken breasts and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are brown and no longer pink in the center.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of chicken broth, the juice from one lemon, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Whisk this mixture into the sauce and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes over medium-high heat until it thickens.
Combining Ingredients
- Return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Serve over pasta if desired.
